Pampered pooches are living in the lap of luxury

Friday

People who think the phrase “it’s a dog’s life” is a bad thing obviously haven’t met any modern canine companions.

Today’s Fido no longer serves to merely bring dad’s slippers, keep out unwanted visitors or fetch the paper with hopes of praise or a belly rub.

While some may still have these duties, most dogs today are living the good life: man’s best friend has become man’s most pampered possession.

People who think the phrase “it’s a dog’s life” is a bad thing obviously haven’t met any modern canine companions.

Today’s Fido no longer serves to merely bring dad’s slippers, keep out unwanted visitors or fetch the paper with hopes of praise or a belly rub. While some may still have these duties, most dogs today are living the good life: man’s best friend has become man’s most pampered possession.

Owners abound

According to American Pet Products Manufacturers Association statistics from a 2007-08 National Pet Owners Survey, 63 percent of United States households own a pet. That means roughly 71 million homes in our nation call some furry, tail-wagging, paw-licking, singing or slithering mammal or amphibian one of their own.

Of that 71 million, nearly 45 million homes have dogs, and 38 million, cats.
According to 2007 sales statistics, $41 billion was spent last year by pet owners.

Pampered pets aren’t the only ones living well these days. Studies have shown that individuals with a furry, four-legged companion may have less stress and be at a lower risk for blood pressure problems than those who do not. Pets also have been shown to help fight depression.

Lapping up luxury

While most owners wish to ensure the safety, happiness, and health of their pets, the pampering trend seems to be a phenomena residing mostly in the dog-owning sector of society.

Several high-end designers have created carriers that resemble large, structured purses so the “tea-cup” or small breed pooches can easily travel anywhere with the celebrity owners. Owners can also keep canines classy by purchasing specially designed tuxedos and gowns for gala events.

In addition to these lux items, pet owners can spoil dogs with spa massages, acupuncture treatments, rhinestone collars and designer doghouses — complete with interior furnishings, air conditioning and heat.

Even the average dog can enjoy these or similar perks. Many doggie luxury items can be purchased in knock-off form.

Locals unleashed

Roy and Andrea Struble of Waynesboro may not go to these extremes with their three dogs, but they certainly spoil their Tibetan spaniels with walks, pillows, playtime and affection.

The couple usually travel with their three “Tibbies,” but at times the dogs stay home with a pet-sitter. There is a wire crate downstairs filled with dog toys, and there are 12 pillow dog beds spread throughout the house. All three eat primarily dog food and occasionally receive a piece of fruit from Andrea’s cereal.

“I don’t know that our dogs are really spoiled any more than most other dogs,” said Andrea, noting that all three are well-behaved. The breed as a whole is regarded as fairly even-tempered.

“In the fall there is often a beach walk in Delaware with the dog club. There may be 50 dogs and they don’t bark at each other or bother with people,” she said. “But if they see another dog they bark at it as a group.”

The Strubles’ friend Joyce Thompson has three Tibbies of her own. They often spend quality time with the Struble trio.

The six may have a lot handed to them, but they’re smart, too.

“They know the word ‘cookie.’ It’s dangerous to say that word,” said Andrea. The Strubles’ neighbor gives the dogs one doggie cookie a day. When the Thompson Tibbies visit, all six run out to the fence to wait for a treat when they hear the neighbor’s garage door open.

The Strubles don’t make a habit of dressing up their dogs, but all three do have Hawaiian-print shirts and coordinating lei collars. They’ve only worn them three times — once for a luau themed Tibetan spaniel dog club event, the second for the Memorial Day Parade and the third for Record Herald photos.

The canines also have factored into certain decisions the couples have made.

The Strubles ultimately chose a house all on one floor when they put moving plans into action. One of their Tibbies, Roxy, has back problems and can’t do stairs.
Thompson and her husband, Dave, bought an SUV so they could place dog crates in the back seat when they travel.

“They live a comfy life, but they’re not overly spoiled,” added Thompson.
Both of the Strubles and Thompson agreed that these “small, sturdy” dogs add a lot to their lives.

“It’s true what they say: a dog accepts you for who you are,” said Thompson.

“I can’t imagine living without them. They add joy and laughter to every moment of every day,” noted Andrea. The Strubles will get a fourth Tibbie in September.

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